In the Spirit of the Season

[shocky5]

Great update! I'm glad Steve liked 'Ohana. Sorry that the service was not up to par to get you started off right! I'm trying to remember what night you were at 'Ohana because it seems like we'd talked about possibly meeting up there, too.

Completely understand your pity party and isn't it ironic how others can put us back into perspective so quickly?

We had a moment... it was our first full day there (the kids and I) and we were in Epcot. And we had made our way to WS, the boys were a little bit cranky at this time, and I felt myself headed towards that pity party... (ie: why did the school change the calendar and Eddie isn't here to help me, why can't my kids be ecstatic that we are in Disney World even though I know they are sleep deprived and tired from walking... ) Anyway - those were my thoughts when we suddenly hear this Dad screaming at his son, probably 6 or 7 years old, because the boy had knocked over his beer. Now granted, we all know how expensive drinks are in WS and it was a dark lager beer that was watering the sidewalk by Germany... So I can imagine the frustration of pouring $10 or so on the sidewalk... but the profanity was so bad, curl your toes and set your ears on fire bad... and he was yanking on that boy's arm. My kids were wide eyed, turned and looked at me and said "Dad would never yell at us like for spilling beer, would he, Mom?" I took the opportunity to tell them 'how lucky' they were to have such awesome parents and off we went. But in my mind, I was chanting "Don't ever act that way publicly... that's how you would look."

Make me think of a funny story.... my dear sweet Erin got her very first spanking at the tender age of 4 (please don't flame us for those that choose not to ever spank their child). Anyway - we were actually touring the JFK memorial and the area in Dallas where he was shot. The parking lot where our vehicle was parked was actually located behind the infamous 'grassy knoll.' And as you may already be guessing, the spanking took place at our vehicle. It was one good pop with a small paddle (the kind that has the rubber ball on the rubber string that you hit as a toy) on her rear.... and I have often wondered if others on the other side of the fence of the grassy knoll ever wondered just exactly 'what' that pop was.

I will quit storytelling...

 

[tinacaplan]

I found myself starting to feel a bit of self pity. You know the “I planned and planned and no one wants to be here with me- self pity”. So right there on the monorail I was starting to fight back the warm tears that were filling in my eyes.

Definitely been there. Its hard...we do all this very careful planning and if things went off according to said plan, it would be perfection.

It was only moments after the doors closed that all out chaos and violence began. I believe it started when the one child (whom I am not sure was a boy or girl) leaned to the side to get as much clearance on their arm and the proceeded to smack the other child as hard as I have ever seen a toddler strike another. Mom was quickly on it and while I didn’t understand the language she spoke I could tell she was trying to console and reprimand at the same time. The offending child then proceeded to start yelling “no no” and some variation of the word mom all while swinging backward in an attempt to now hit the mother. I believe the other child might have bit or pinched the other on at some point, but at this time has now begun to try and remove herself from the stroller. The fit that ensued from this seemed to aggravate the other child more. The stroller was being knocked around (those of you who know how strollers work..when they become off balance tend to not stay flat on the ground) The mom and other lady (we will just say grandmother) tried to calm both children who were at this point both crying hysterically. Now the shoes were coming off and as the one child who had been smacked by the other began to try and pull at her clothing we all were able to discover that at least this one was a girl since of course she had no undergarments on. Other passengers were getting caught in the cross fire of all that was going on...a shoe being flung at one... the stroller ramming into another...etc.

Max had some pretty spectacular meltdowns this summer. So, as you were explaining this story, it just made me so sad. One of our last nights, I had insisted taking already tired Max on the MK railroad, despite his protests. He wailed the ENTIRE train ride. I kid you not. I felt so bad for everyone else around us, but...oh, its just so hard sometimes.

That was not my family. My family, although tired was not in the midst of this. This was not my moment to have a break down and think “poor me, my family does not love each other enough” They did love each other enough (not to say that the other family didn’t) Believe me, my kids have fought in ways I am so very ashamed of. This was just not one of those times nor had it been all day. So I too had to put my big girl panties on and get over myself. With that, I smiled and hugged each of my kids. The looked at me knowingly and smiled. We then reached the TTC and the family disembarked.

Well, that worked out in the end.

Your pictures from the Poly are great. Love Zoe's dress. I'm glad the food was good, but sorry the service wasn't. I felt rushed when we there, definitely, although the server was very nice.

Its nice that you got to take advantage of some evening EMHs time and that you got to ride BTMRR! I think that's hands-down my favorite ride in Disney. Sadly, it won't be open when I'm there in February or April. Oh, well. That's how it goes sometimes.

 

[KatMark]

Gosh darnit...I'm two updates behind.

I have to tell you I was giggling AFTER you finished the story about the orange soda. What are the chances of that happening?

Isn't it funny how families can NEVER be on the same bathroom break schedule?

I'm glad the time on the monorail with the little ones made you see that things were not all that bad. And so glad Steve enjoyed dinner at Ohana. I really need to get that on the schedule for Mark because I know he would love it.

 

[annmarieda]

Man it seems you guys can't get a break this month so far in the weather department.. Hopefully all this bad weather will stop for you guys soon.

Yeah it really does suck when things like this happen. I hope something opens up very soon for us also.. Yesterday when he came home he got right to the computer and started applying to jobs that he was qualified for.

Oh, the weather could be worse.. really it is just the time of year for it.

I hope your dh finds something soon!!

Another great update. We loved 'Ohana. It was the second time there for Chris, Katie and me. Don't you just love walking through the Great Ceremonial House?

I do love it there. I think it is beautiful. As large as I am sure it is, it doesn't feel like it. Not like when you walk into WL or AKL and it has the HUGE almost daunting ceilings. Poly seems so intimate and beautiful.

Great update! I am glad that the other family helped you put things in perspective-- and that your family had that nice little moment!

I haven't ever ridden BTMRR at night-- it sounds great, though. I will have to try and check it out next time!

It was very cool. I have done that before during EMH.. but I had forgot how nice it is.

Great update! I'm glad Steve liked 'Ohana. Sorry that the service was not up to par to get you started off right! I'm trying to remember what night you were at 'Ohana because it seems like we'd talked about possibly meeting up there, too.

We were there the 12th...so were you there yet? I think the night we were at the Poly and you were headed back was the night we did Kona and your kids were not feeling great.

Completely understand your pity party and isn't it ironic how others can put us back into perspective so quickly?

It is, and I hate that it was at their expense that I got my perspective.

We had a moment... it was our first full day there (the kids and I) and we were in Epcot. And we had made our way to WS, the boys were a little bit cranky at this time, and I felt myself headed towards that pity party... (ie: why did the school change the calendar and Eddie isn't here to help me, why can't my kids be ecstatic that we are in Disney World even though I know they are sleep deprived and tired from walking... ) Anyway - those were my thoughts when we suddenly hear this Dad screaming at his son, probably 6 or 7 years old, because the boy had knocked over his beer. Now granted, we all know how expensive drinks are in WS and it was a dark lager beer that was watering the sidewalk by Germany... So I can imagine the frustration of pouring $10 or so on the sidewalk... but the profanity was so bad, curl your toes and set your ears on fire bad... and he was yanking on that boy's arm. My kids were wide eyed, turned and looked at me and said "Dad would never yell at us like for spilling beer, would he, Mom?" I took the opportunity to tell them 'how lucky' they were to have such awesome parents and off we went. But in my mind, I was chanting "Don't ever act that way publicly... that's how you would look."

Make me think of a funny story.... my dear sweet Erin got her very first spanking at the tender age of 4 (please don't flame us for those that choose not to ever spank their child). Anyway - we were actually touring the JFK memorial and the area in Dallas where he was shot. The parking lot where our vehicle was parked was actually located behind the infamous 'grassy knoll.' And as you may already be guessing, the spanking took place at our vehicle. It was one good pop with a small paddle (the kind that has the rubber ball on the rubber string that you hit as a toy) on her rear.... and I have often wondered if others on the other side of the fence of the grassy knoll ever wondered just exactly 'what' that pop was.

I will quit storytelling...

I too have to keep in mind how things will look... because not everyone will see things objectively. I mean, for me I assumed that this was not the norm for these kids or the mom...just a moment they were having. In your story, who knows... maybe this was the 10th one the child knocked over. Not walking in someone else s shoes, you just never know what has led them to where they are. For this reason, I try very hard not to assume. However, seeing people in their moments... I will take advantage of it to know that I am not alone in feeling a certain way, or acting a certain way or in this case appreciating that it wasn't my family acting this way.

Definitely been there. Its hard...we do all this very careful planning and if things went off according to said plan, it would be perfection.

Max had some pretty spectacular meltdowns this summer. So, as you were explaining this story, it just made me so sad. One of our last nights, I had insisted taking already tired Max on the MK railroad, despite his protests. He wailed the ENTIRE train ride. I kid you not. I felt so bad for everyone else around us, but...oh, its just so hard sometimes.

Believe me, I am not unfamiliar with this type of thing. I was the young parent with a child who was very prone to pitching a fit (still is...even at 21 and married) I really wish people could appreciate the fact that sometimes it happens and sometimes... it isn't a matter of you having poor judgement and taking the kid out when they are tired or in a mood..but rather this is what has to happen in order for your life to go on. If I had not choose to "go against better judgement" when my dd was young, i would never have been able to leave the house. When she was Max's age... I kid you not... I was the one in the grocery store with the screaming kid. (to add to it I only looked 15) I know people had to have looked at me and thought the thing I think most people do when they see a kid acting out in public.."why does she have this kid in the store" or "why doesn't she remove this kid". What part of the story they are missing is if I left every time she started, I would never be in the store more than a minute or two and if (as I mentioned already) I didn't take her out when she was in a mood, I would never have gone anywhere.

Your pictures from the Poly are great. Love Zoe's dress. I'm glad the food was good, but sorry the service wasn't. I felt rushed when we there, definitely, although the server was very nice.

Thank you, the dress fit Zoe well. sadly..it was too warm for her to wear it during the day.

Its nice that you got to take advantage of some evening EMHs time and that you got to ride BTMRR! I think that's hands-down my favorite ride in Disney. Sadly, it won't be open when I'm there in February or April. Oh, well. That's how it goes sometimes.

I know that my dd is going to miss it on her trip. She was pretty sad about it... but no fit

Gosh darnit...I'm two updates behind.

I have to tell you I was giggling AFTER you finished the story about the orange soda. What are the chances of that happening?

Isn't it funny how families can NEVER be on the same bathroom break schedule?

I'm glad the time on the monorail with the little ones made you see that things were not all that bad. And so glad Steve enjoyed dinner at Ohana. I really need to get that on the schedule for Mark because I know he would love it.

Well, we didn't get Zoe any more orange soda after that... at least not in a large cup like that.

Ohana is one of my favorites for sure. I was not aware that you could ask for the steak to be more rare though...so on our first trip, it wasn't my favorite meat. It seemed too dry. This trip it was yummy and tender. (and why? because Steve asked that we be served it rare).

 

[veggiemama]

Great update Ann. We did not go to Ohana but we did make it to Poly. Looks like a good restaurant though.

As for meltdown's....

At DHS, on a bathroom break. As B and I came out of the bathroom and were looking for the guys there was a mom and son fighting. Son was probably around 10 or 11 years old and Mom was screaming at him, shaking him and he was yelling back at her and crying, really crying hard. I don't remember everything being said but the gist of it was about boy wanting to go on a ride with his Dad and step mom and Mom was MAD. A lot of swearing and name calling. My daughter looked at me, came and gave me a hug with tears in her eyes and said how glad she was that we are not so unhappy and angry and how sad she was for the poor boy who couldn't even enjoy disney.

It is always so tough when we see these types of things. I want to assume always that these types of things are just moments in time and not how things go regularly. I know that things that have happened for my family in the past, when they were young, and even at Disney is not a good snap shot of our family and I always hope that that is what is happening for other as well.

I was amused that the adults starting laughing... i guess it was either laugh or cry with the babies.

 

[annmarieda]

I was amused that the adults starting laughing... i guess it was either laugh or cry with the babies.

I think that was totally it. I mean... they really couldn't do anything but laugh.

 

[annmarieda]

Since I have so many days to write about, I thought it might be kinda fun and nice to just post a runny tally of everything Iaccomplished (ie. rides attractions..etc) I won't keep track of the guys... as the tr progresses you will understand why it would just be too hard to keep track of them too. If you notice I missed anything, let me know. I kinda just went off my memory for writing the TR and did not use notes for this first set. From here on out, I will just add to this list.

So we are now down with day four of the trip.

Rides
BTMRR
HM
Cinderellas Carrousel
POTC

Shows/Attractions
Enchanted Tikki Room

Parades/Firework Displays
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade(2)
Holiday Wishes
Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party

Characters Met
Seven Dwarfs
Terrance
Tinker Bell
Lady Trumaine
Cinderella (2)
Prince Charming
Druzella
Anastasia
Mickey
Minnie
Belle
Aurora
Ariel
Snow White

Dinned At
Garden View Tea Room
EOS
Everything Pop (3)
Casey's Corner
CRT
CHH
Ohana

 

[annmarieda]

A Playmate for Zoe

We managed to get up early enough (7am), but not as early as I would have needed in order to start my “plan” So here is another day that we didn’t follow the ridemax schedule. We did however, all leave the room together.

We got down to the bus stop and again, we waited. We waited and waited and then a bus came for MK. Steve and Alex decided to take that bus and then catch the monorail to the TTC and then to Epcot. Meanwhile, Zoe and I waited for the bus to Epcot. Once our bus arrived, it was full. VERY full. I think of all the days, this bus was the most full of any that we took. We then made a stop at FW before heading on to Epcot.

We got off the bus and made our way to the ramp that let off monorail passengers. It was unbelievable. Just as we hit the bottom of that ramp, so did Steve and Alex.

First thing I did once inside Epcot was to run to get fast passes for Soarin while everyone else took a peak at what Innoventions had to offer. Just after I left the Land Pavilion, I realized that Heather and her family were near by. I could look across to the Seas Pavilion and there they were!

I made my way to her and shortly after, Steve and the kids met up with us. Damien was such a cutie. I knew from pictures what he looked like but let me say, his personality does not come through near enough. He is about the most charismatic 7 year old I have met in a long time. We decided to go on Finding Nemo at the same time. Then we toured the Living Seas Aquarium.

I am so glad that we spend this time together. I think the kids got along very well and it was neat for Zoe to have some time with someone her own age.

After we went our separate ways, we had to get something to drink at Club Cool. I tried out all the drinks again just to make sure I was not mistaken in regards to the Beverly. Sure enough, it still remains my favorite.

Next we went to lunch at Sunshine Seasons. I decided to be brave and get the Togarashi Seared Tuna Noodle Salad.

I am so very glad I did. It turned out to be one of my absolute favorite things I ate the entire trip! I had the strawberry shortcake for dessert.

Steve had the mongolian beef. Alex had a turkey sandwich. I am not sure if Steve and Alex both had cheesecake, but one of them did.

Alex also thought he got a "side" with lunch so he used a sc to buy himself a bag of doritos. Imagine... go all the way to WDW to use a special snack credit for DORITOS.
Zoe had a Reuben Panini and a guava cupcake. The guava cupcake was amazing!

After lunch we walked onto Living With the Land. I always enjoy this and was happy to see that they even decorated for the holidays here.

We finished up our time in Future World with Journey Into Imagination. If Figment was a character you could meet, I would be all over that because he is so darn cute. It had been a while since Steve has rode this and so he was not at all expecting the ending. He had a complete spaz attack and we all laughed.

Next Chapter: Serious Resort Touring in Wacky Weather.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

You've been busy!!!

I have been on both sides of that situation. I find that I have those "woe is me moments" out of sheer stress. Best laid plans...

At the same time, I have twin girls who are best friends/ worst enemies. In Disney, they nearly always become affectionate with one another. They loop arms, they lean into each other, they play the part beautifully. THEN, one little instance and they are ready to attack each other. I cannot think of any specific times in Disney, but on Good Friday. In Macys, one kicked the other, the other fell nearly screaming her head off. I escorted the two of them so quickly...I figure the security monitor guys got a kick out of it.

We enjoy Ohana very much. Ah, the pot stickers and the bread pudding!

Your photos are fantastic, and I am glad you were able to have a new perspective! (My girls were witness to some kids wreaking havoc in a store and it opened their eyes! - of course, they forgot shortly there after...)

How fun that Zoe had someone her age to spend a bit of time with. Such cute pictures!

 

[oboedm]

Great update! We are always startled by the end of Figment as well! My SIL was so upset about it... if you recall, she even stated, "doesn't Disney have any rides for children?" LOL!

Sunshine seasons looks like a good meal. I am going to have to check it out sometime!

 

[dizneeat]

What a great day you had, Ann!

The kids look so cute together - I just love the second photo of them!

Fun rides - I love them all! And Sunshine Seasons looks good as well!

Waiting for MORE fun!

 

[leshunlenese]

love the pic of you all waiting at ohana. Im glad you all enjoyed it. I did not like it at all but i am going to give it one more try

 

[lovethattink]

You covered alot of territory, saw alot of characters over 4 days!!

So nice to have a friend for Cloe!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Your lunch at Sunshine Seasons looks so good!! I love how Living With The Land dresses up for the holidays, it's so fun!

 

[tankgirl427]

You have to remember that you might have done that over 4 days, but it was over only 2 days worth of tickets and one MVMCP ticket, not like you have spent 4 days of park tickets on doing that much.

 

[annmarieda]

I am super tired... but just wanted to come on to say... Yesterday, Zoe went in to the doctor to have her tube from surgery removed. It went well and the doctor was super excited saying it is so great that we won't have to go back in for 6 months.

Well, there was a malfunction in the "plumbing" today and we had to go up to the hospital. I am still staying super positive even though I am exhausted. They aaaaalmost admitted her to take her into the OR tonight... but I talked Zoe down off her little ledge (she was pretty panicy and in pain) I got her to (for lack of a better way of putting it) suck it up so they could get things taken care of then and there. Thankfully, she gathered herself and although there was a ton of screaming she held still while another tube was placed.

I could go into more details about the event... but... bottom line we are home and she is ok She will go back in on 2/9... intent will be to take her into the OR, but we will see if whatever happened happens again. (no one could understand what was going on... and that includes the WORLD RENOWN surgeon )

I hope to get back on tonight and catch up with everyone.

 

[dizneeat]

Ann, thanks for the update on Zoe! I'll keep my fingers crossed for her to get through this without any more "complications"!

for you and your little princess!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I'll be definitely sending lots of well wishes your guys' way!! I hope that everything else goes smoothly for Zoe!

 

[Leger13]

Great update!! Glad Zoe had someone to play with her own age for a while. The food looks delicious. And what happens at the end of Figment? It's been many years since I've been on that ride so I don't remember.

 

[annmarieda]

You've been busy!!!

I have been on both sides of that situation. I find that I have those "woe is me moments" out of sheer stress. Best laid plans...

At the same time, I have twin girls who are best friends/ worst enemies. In Disney, they nearly always become affectionate with one another. They loop arms, they lean into each other, they play the part beautifully. THEN, one little instance and they are ready to attack each other. I cannot think of any specific times in Disney, but on Good Friday. In Macys, one kicked the other, the other fell nearly screaming her head off. I escorted the two of them so quickly...I figure the security monitor guys got a kick out of it.

We enjoy Ohana very much. Ah, the pot stickers and the bread pudding!

Your photos are fantastic, and I am glad you were able to have a new perspective! (My girls were witness to some kids wreaking havoc in a store and it opened their eyes! - of course, they forgot shortly there after...)

How fun that Zoe had someone her age to spend a bit of time with. Such cute pictures!

I love Ohana.

Zoe and Alex got a long well on this trip, but it was nice to see Zoe with someone closer to her own age. (she and Damien are only a couple months apart in age)

Great update! We are always startled by the end of Figment as well! My SIL was so upset about it... if you recall, she even stated, "doesn't Disney have any rides for children?" LOL!

Sunshine seasons looks like a good meal. I am going to have to check it out sometime!

Thats right! "any rides for children" I hope she has settled down a bit in the last year or so.

What a great day you had, Ann!

The kids look so cute together - I just love the second photo of them!

Fun rides - I love them all! And Sunshine Seasons looks good as well!

Waiting for MORE fun!

I have passed on the tuna each trip. (kinda a rule...no fast food fish) However, this was sooo good. I got Kira to try it on her current trip and she was equally impressed.

love the pic of you all waiting at ohana. Im glad you all enjoyed it. I did not like it at all but i am going to give it one more try

The food was way better this visit than on our last... but the service was worse... some day I hope to go and have it all fall into place.

You covered alot of territory, saw alot of characters over 4 days!!

So nice to have a friend for Cloe!

Well, going to MVMCP and then CRT for breakfast was the reason for that!

Your lunch at Sunshine Seasons looks so good!! I love how Living With The Land dresses up for the holidays, it's so fun!

SS was definitely one of my favorite meals this trip. Definitely one of the best CS credits I used.

You have to remember that you might have done that over 4 days, but it was over only 2 days worth of tickets and one MVMCP ticket, not like you have spent 4 days of park tickets on doing that much.

I know.. so I don't feel totally bad about not riding a ton of rides. Really, it was only a day in the park

Ann, thanks for the update on Zoe! I'll keep my fingers crossed for her to get through this without any more "complications"!

for you and your little princess!

Thanks, Karin. I think we are ready for some complication free days.

I'll be definitely sending lots of well wishes your guys' way!! I hope that everything else goes smoothly for Zoe!

Thank you so much. She is a trooper. I kept her home this morning to make sure that all was ok with her new tube.. and she was itching to get to school.

Great update!! Glad Zoe had someone to play with her own age for a while. The food looks delicious. And what happens at the end of Figment? It's been many years since I've been on that ride so I don't remember.

At the end of figment... well, loud..stinky..burst of air. You might want to consider this when bringing Alex on it. It might startle him.